Market research and insights agency, Spark, has announced the appointment of Alex Hunter as commercial director. Joining from integrated design and research agency, Visuality, he brings a wealth of experience to Spark, the Leeds-based ‘Human Truths’ Agency which utilises an unswerving approach to provide brands with a true understanding of both emotional and functional human behaviour.

With previous roles covering both in-house household names such as Asda and consulting at agencies such as Clear M&C Saatchi and Publicis, Alex boasts a multi-disciplinary skillset spanning data, insight, media and shopper that clients value for creativity and innovation. There are few markets or methodologies he hasn’t explored, honing his expertise by working across the globe from Asia to North and South America as well as Africa and Europe.

Further developing his depth of experience, Alex is also client strategist at insight-driven, creatively-fuelled Audience Collective, a group of agencies that use their collective expertise to help brands better connect with their audiences in a meaningful way. Spark Market Research recently joined the Audience Collective, which now includes eight agencies and over 190 experts across the UK and Ireland.

Justin Healy, CEO said: “We are very excited that Alex is joining Spark. Alex brings with him a veritable treasure trove of insights and experiences from around the world that will bolster our offering as research specialists. He takes up the mantle of Commercial Director to help drive our ambitions in the UK, Ireland and further abroad.”

Alex said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team and wanted to thank Justin and the senior team for bringing me into the fold. Spark has been on my radar for a long time and I feel now is a fantastic time to join, having consulted around the world. I am hoping to utilise my experience of wide-ranging sectors to help drive Spark’s ambitions forward, with a specialist focus on the agency’s ‘Human Truths’ offering.”